LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 25

Wowza. It was pretty crazy earlier today - and all over in about five minutes! The heavens opened and rain bucketed town, followed by hail about the size of raisins or macadamia nuts, which left us without electricity for a few hours. My, my - time seems to pass so slowly without the internet! Anyhow, I was definitely 'feeling' the volatile weather today - and as my mood seems to reflect the weather, it made sense to do a more 'full-on', somewhat-more-Autumnal face. No 'sunshine and lollipops' today! Today's lip is one of my favourites Avon My Lip Miracle in incREDible, which is a gorgeous currant red that I usually reserve for the Autumn/Winter months. I especially love that it's a wonderfully hydrating formula that keeps lips happy all day, while packing a punch in the colour department. Side-note: The eyeshadow I'm wearing is a combination of the burgundy Bourjois cream eyeshadow, with Essence Party All Night layered on top - it's strange how the Bourjois one becomes more of a browny shade when blended (see the swatches here).

What I used:
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Universel + Real Techniques Buffing Brush
EcoTools Large Eye Brush and Smudge Brush
Avon My Lip Miracle in incREDible
Essence Eyeshadow in 35 Party All Night
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Natural Beauty + Real Techniques Stippling Brush
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black
Bourjois Color Edition 24hr Eyeshadow in 05 Prune Nocturne


Hope you're all taking care in this crazy weather! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 10

Phew! So despite looking like a pale, sickly creature, I'm feeling better today and nearly recovered (man-voice and raw nose notwithstanding). I just thought I'd post a quick FOTD to show you what yesterday's lippie - Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenade In (Grenadine) - looks like applied straight from the tube (follow the link to read the mini review). You probably can't tell from that photo, but my lips are pretty gross and chapped - thankfully it's a forgiving, moisturising formula!

The other stuff on my face:

Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzer Universel + Real Techniques Buffing Brush
The Body Shop x Lily Cole Lip & Cheek Dome in 20 Pinch Me Pink
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenade In / Grenadine
Rimmel Soft Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Black
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard


Hope you're enjoying the gorgeous Spring sunshine! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 9

Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenade In

Hey friends, seeing as I'm still kinda gross and germy and 'clogged-upper-respiratory-esque', I thought I'd post another quick review today, of a lippie that's made a few appearances on ze blog already... Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenade In (or Grenadine). This has been a favourite of mine throughout the cooler months, as the hydrating formula is kind to dry, chapped lips, and the berry shade is quite nice for Autumn/Winter. While I enjoyed patting it onto lips for a soft wash of colour - see here for reference - the swatch below is an accurate depiction of what it looks like when applied from the tube.

Texture: It has a light, creamy formula that's moisturising and 'balmy'. It glides over flaky bits with ease, and doesn't get caught on them or highlight them. It reminds me of Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters, except it's less glossy.

Opacity: I'd say that it's close to full opacity, though it can be dabbed on or worn over lip balm for a sheerer finish. To me, it's quite similar to a highly pigmented tinted lip balm.

Hydration: It's rather moisturising, though there's not a lot of 'slip' like a lip gloss - which isn't a bad thing, as it means it stays put relatively well. This is another of my top picks for work days, as it doesn't leave my lips feeling parched.

Longevity: It's staying power is impressive for something so moisturising. It lasts 5 or 6 hours with 'careful' eating/drinking. It also fades evenly, and leaves a pretty stain.

Price: $19 for 3g (I bought mine cheaper from Asos, but at the moment they're 25% off at Priceline!)

Other notes: It has a faint, barely perceptible scent to it, that's not offensive in any way.


Have you tried this lipstick?
What are your picks for work days? x
 

WEEK IN REVIEW // 11

A week of...more haulin'. They see me haulin', they hatin'... Well, my bank balance ain't looking too impressed, either. I'd better make more of an effort to shop my now-burgeoning stash!

LUSH It Started With a Kiss lip tint - This has been a lovely alternative to a bright lippie, especially when applied sparingly. It wears comfortably, goes on evenly, and fades well, too. I just hope it doesn't end up drying or going grainy like the last two I've tried!

Sussan Pom Pom Socks - Aaaaaand the pom pom socks have finally come out for Winter! They're a bit of a novelty, too, I suppose, and they keep my feet, and ankles, nice and toasty. I seriously have the worst circulation - can't wait for Winter to be over already!

Lanikai Ukulele - Meet my new baby. She has a gorgeous, warm sound, and is great to play. Perhaps there might even be a musical interlude in the near future...? :O

Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenadine - Is this...another lip product?! Sorry, I couldn't resist! The glossy/balmy nature of this makes it perfect for Winter, as my lips aren't in the best shape. It doesn't cling to flaky bits of lip skin (sorry, gross!) and has quite impressive staying power for something as moisturising as it is. I like to pat it on to my lips for a subtle wash of colour, like so.

And still going strong from last week:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light - I completely understand if you're sick of seeing this one, given the frequency of its appearances here! But it'd be wrong of me not to include it, when it's the only base I've been wearing as of late... It really is a great 'all in one' - moisturiser, sunscreen, illuminator - a lazy girl's dream!

Nuxe Rêve de Miel - I think this has almost matched Nivea Lip Butter's numerous appearances on here, as well. I am pleased to announce that underneath the hardened top lies a creamier balm, consistent with lemon curd... Mmmmm. This is the only balm I've been using lately.

bareMinerals Correcting Concealer in Medium 2 - Last week I mentioned that I was experimenting with application, and I've found that fingers work equally well for when I'm not overly bothered (lazy girl, remember? :P) It provides decent coverage, and its powder finish gives it lasting power, though I prefer to apply it over something moisturising first, so it goes on smoothly.

Happy Monday! Hope the rest of the week goes swimmingly (: x

ASOS MINI HAUL //

It's a loooong story...but basically ASOS has stopped providing free shipping on all orders - only on orders over $30. And I had a $10 off voucher to spend on 'purchases over $20', so I ended up buying more to take advantage of both $10 off and free shipping... #stereotypicalasian.

Hence, the 'mini haul':

The case slots into the middle / Yup, you can see the lint! (Gross...)

Tangle Teezer Compact Styler 'Feline Groovy' - You may remember this being featured a little while ago, in a list of items that sparked my interest. As I mentioned before, I haven't brushed my hair for years, as my hair is quite thick and naturally voluminous (not the typical sleek-and-poker-straight Asian hair), and often looks worse after I've brushed it! This unique brush has been raved about by just about everyone - from Emma Watson to Facebook friends, so I thought I'd give it a shot. And does it deliver? I'd say it does. Now, I don't really have huge expectations of my hairbrushes - they just have to detangle and smooth and, uh, not make my hair look worse than before brushing... I haven't tried it on wet hair or in the shower, but it did a good job of getting the knots out of damp-ish hair in a relatively pain-free manner. I like that it fits in my hand quite comfortably, and comes with a cover so I can throw it into my handbag without worrying about the bristles getting stuck on things. The only thing I'm not so keen on, is that it collects lint quite easily. After using it less than a handful of times I was already googling how to clean it!

Rimmel ScandalEyes Shadow Stick in 011 Bluffing - This is a handy little (well, jumbo!) eyeshadow pencil that does last for an impressive few hours (I didn't test out whether or not it lasted for 24 hours). It's easy to apply and blend, and grips to the skin well, without causing discomfort. You can't dawdle when working with this one, though - blend quickly, or there'll be a fair bit of resistance and drag. It also washes off easily with cleanser and warm water - no need to pull out the heavy-duty Swissper Eye Makeup Remover Pads. Bluffing is a pretty mink-pink-meets-mocha shade that works well as a base, or even as a 'one swipe wonder' for minimal effort days. My only gripe with this otherwise-nifty prod is that it requires sharpening. #lazygirlproblems

Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in 010 Silver - I can't say that I've tested this out on my lids just yet, but I've got another one of these in 012 Bronze, which used to be a favourite (I'm a fickle creature, aren't I?) From memory, it does have good lasting power* and applies well.

Ingredients listing

Ingredients listing cont'd

Bourjois Color Edition 24hr Eyeshadow in 05 Prune Nocturne - You know my penchant for burgundy eyeshadow! This one is in a cream to powder formulation - one that I don't have, and can therefore justify purchasing. It really is the most gorgeous shade of plum - the swatches below don't do it justice (it swatches truer to the colour in the pan - see pics above - more purply, rather than a muddy reddish-brown). I've read a few reviews where it's been pointed out that it applies sheerer than it appears in the pan, which is true, and which doesn't bother me, as it means that it can be built up to greater intensity or worn as a light wash of colour.

Swatches L-R: Prune Nocturne, Bluffing and Silver

Swatches on top of hand blended (apologies for my sickly, cold hand!)

*A final note on the longevity of these three products swatched above - yeah, they do live up to their names! Perhaps not '24 hours', but these swatches lasted several hours, and didn't come off fully in the shower, even with body wash and a bit of scrubbing on my part. Impressive.

Have you tried any of these products?
Are you a fan of ASOS for beauty shopping?

#FOTD 4 //

A low-key work look for those 'minimal effort' kind of days.

The breakdown:
FACE:
MAC Face and Body Foundation in C3 
Nivea Daily Veil Sunscreen SPF 30 applied under foundation
Chi Chi Mosaic Blush in Pink Peach (Applied with Ecotools Tapered Blush Brush)

EYES:
Chi Chi Eyeshadow Single in Rock With You (Applied as eyeliner, with Ecotools Petite Shader Brush)
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black (Smudged into lash line with Ecotools Smudger Brush)
Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler

LIPS:
Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream (to prep lips)
Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenadine (patted on to lips with finger)

What are your makeup solutions for lazy days? :)

WEEK IN REVIEW // 6

A week of illness and painful return to reality. And a bit of beauty loot to make it all better.

You'll notice that there are more beauty products thrown in there than usual - but when you're sick more is required to make you look socially acceptable, right? That's how I'm justifying it, anyway...

Clockwise from top left:
Clinique Cheek Pop in 01 Ginger Pop - Aside from it being a totally adorable little product, I find it quite versatile as well. Applied with a light hand it gives a sheer wash of colour, but can also be built up for a real 'pop'. In this photo it looks more peachy, but it's actually more of an earthy rosy russet. I love that it gives a natural, healthy flush - like I've just been for a brisk walk. You can see it in action (applied very sparingly) here.

Chi Chi Mosaic Blush in Pink Peach - I've just raved about this, so I will refrain from repeating myself in such a short time frame, though I'll do a proper post on this soon!

Butter-Menthol - I've gone through two sticks of these and a pack of Strepsils. They seem to make things better, though it could just be a placebo effect... Having said that, I'd rather not be without them!

Revlon CustomEyes Shadow & Liner Palette in 020 Naturally Glamorous - Perhaps I could blame sleepandwater's featuring of this in her Top 5 Low End Eyeshadow Palettes post as the final push for my purchasing. I've eyed it for a long time, though could never justify spending nearly $30 on a teeny-weeny eyeshadow palette. I figured it was meant to be when I spotted it on sale at Priceline (and was able to claim a bit more off with my Priceline Sisterhood card points. Win!)

Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenadine - I first mentioned this newbie not long ago and have been relying heavily on it for work days, as I figure a bright lip will hopefully detract attention from my panda eyes. It's a lovely creamy formula that's glossy and moisturising, fades evenly and leaves a pretty stain. It lasted a good five or six hours on me, with drinking and a bit of eating (snacking?).

Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream - I've gone back to using this as a lip treatment before bed, and I find that it doesn't leave a nasty white cast as often, which used to frustrate me. I think the trick is in the amount used: I find that spreading a thin layer on is best - too much and it just sits on top of the lips. I know I've already mentioned this, but it smells absolutely heavenly!

Chi Chi Baked Eyeshadow Single in Rock With You - Described quite accurately as a 'burgundy plum', I pounced on this when I saw it on sale at Target. It's a gorgeous colour, shimmery but not glittery, and can be used wet or dry. The photo really doesn't do it justice. I'm looking forward to testing it out; stay tuned.

GAP Cashmere Waffle Scarf - I've barely taken it off since I bought it! It's wonderfully soft and warm - perfect for days when I'm feeling under the weather.

What were your favourites this week?

ARRIVAL // THE MINI HAUL

Hello! Yes, I am back after a painful twenty-four hour flight delay. With several pieces of luggage in tow - and a mini* beauty haul. And along with twenty-one pairs of socks (don't ask), and an embarrassingly large stack of GAP clothes, but more on that later...

As I am also sick (thanks, kid who was coughing his lungs out in the seat behind me the entire trip!), I will leave you with a little snapshot, instead of rambling endlessly - but expect to see them in more detail soon!

The 'mini haul'

The breakdown (clockwise from top left):
- Innisfree cloth masks
- EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm in Summer Fruit
- Ralph Lauren RALPH EDT miniature
- Burberry Body EDP miniature
- Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina EDT miniature
- Clinique Cheek Pop blushes in 01 Ginger Pop and 03 Berry Pop
- Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief (15ml)
- Revlon nail polish in 270 Cherries In The Snow and 480 Chic
- Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rosé (bought here just before I left)
- Bourjois Shine Edition lipstick in 23 Grenade in (aka Grenadine) (bought from ASOS while overseas...)


...And I also brought this baby back with me, so better quality photos are headed your way.

The newbie

That is all for now, I'm off to blow my nose and open another pack of Strepsils...

Talk soon x

*Given the amount I brought with me, and the ridiculous stash I've been accumulating as of late, a larger beauty haul was really out of the question!